[Excerpts from:]
Neighborhood Cats E-newsletter (April '04)
4/30/2004
4. Examining the "R" in TNR: Return vs. Release
TNR is alternately referred to as "trap-neuter-return" or "trap-neuter-release ," with both phrases being fairly common. Neighborhood Cats believes the TNR community should collectively decide to make "return" the correct term. Unlike the word "release," saying the cats are "returned" provides a fuller explanation of what our work is about. The cats are not simply being released, but they're being put back in their own territory with their own colony mates.
While this may seem just like semantics to those active in the field, it is a linguistic distinction of extreme importance when the concept of TNR is first introduced to the public, especially through the media. "Return" focuses attention on the essential aspect of TNR, which is that the cats are maintained where they already are. They're not removed or relocated. There's also a subtle, but different emotional impact when the message is conveyed that the cats will be allowed to live where they were found, as opposed to simply being let go after altering. TNR has community activism as part of its method, so why not use language to our advantage in this respect?
6. TNR Workshop to be held Sat., May 22 in Burlington County, NJ
Neighborhood Cats will be instructing a workshop on basic feral cat colony management techniques (from feeding to trapping to working with neighbors) in Burlington County, New Jersey, on Saturday, May 22nd, 2004, from 2 to 5 p.m. ($15 admission). For exact location and to RSVP, please email Lisa of Nature's Refuge at: founders@naturesrefuge.com
founders@naturesrefuge.org


RSPCA raises feral cat fears
Townsville Bulletin - Northern Australia, Australia


[See a cool] Custom Cat Garden
from the TLC Summer 2004 Newsletter
TLC / for the Love of Cats, The Zimmer Foundation, Michigan


Signings, etc.
Considered the first truly American breed, the Maine coon cat is one of the most popular cat breeds. A handsome kitty with ear tufts and wide paws, the Maine coon's origins are shrouded in mystery. Old folk tales say the breed resulted from matings between raccoons and cats.
Portland Press Herald, Maine


Proposed state law would force landlords to accept dogs, cats on their properties
The Express Times, PA


Too many cats, not enough homes
The Wichita Eagle, KS


Somerset News
[Scroll down to]
Council noted a concern about dog owners …Council also discussed problems with cats, especially many that are in the area of East Sheridan Avenue.
Zanesville Times Recorder, OH


Who says I'm barking mad?
Straits Times, Singapore


For shelters, unhappy tails may lie ahead
Boston Globe - Boston, MA, USA


Vaccinations, the cat's meow
Press-Enterprise (subscription) - Riverside, CA, USA


Feeding neighborhood felines 'cruel'
The Saginaw News - Saginaw, MI, USA


Fencing keeps cats safe and happy outside
Clarksville Leaf Chronicle - Clarksville, TN, USA